ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To demonstrate the usefulness of staining the internal limiting membrane (ILM) with a solution of indocyanine green (ICG) to facilitate the removal of ILM in eyes with idiopathic macular hole. METHODS: Eighteen patients underwent vitrectomy with the removal of posterior cortical vitreous, induction of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), ICG-enhanced removal of the macular ILM, and fluid-gas exchange, followed by facedown positioning. RESULTS: Fifteen (83.33%) of the macular holes were closed at 3 months postoperatively. The visual outcome was relatively better in holes smaller than 400 microns in diameter, as compared to bigger macular holes (more than 400 microns in diameter). Of the 18 eyes, 9 (50%) recorded visual improvement of 2 or more lines over the preoperative level. CONCLUSION: Our results show the safety and usefulness of this technique in visualization of the ILM during macular hole surgery, thereby leading to successful removal of optimal amount of ILM, with minimum damage to the retina.